Michaell Bollen on the baseball diamond wearing his travel ball Stingers jersey

We often hear these questions raised by students and families when exploring career-technical education and Eastland-Fairfield:

"Can I still play sports and go to EFCTS?" or "Will I be able to do my program, go to college, and be able to play at the college level?"

Michael Bollen has helped to answer both of those questions with a resounding "YES!". The senior from Canal Winchester High School recently announced his intentions after he graduates and they include college AND athletics. Michael, who is a current Pre-Nursing senior at Fairfield Career Center and a two-year varsity starter for CWHS, will be attending Hocking College to pursue a nursing degree and will take the field for the Hawks next year.

We asked Michael a few questions to learn more about what he's up to and where he is going.

Why did you choose EFCTS?

I chose EFCTS and the Pre-Nursing program to get a head start on my career.

Why did you choose Pre-Nursing?

Nursing is what I have always wanted to do.

What is your favorite thing about your program?

My favorite thing is to have the opportunity to help people.

What is your favorite thing about baseball?

Definitely the friendships and camaraderie.

What positions do you play?
I play second base, third base, and I am a pitcher. I committed to Hocking College as a pitcher.

What are your career aspirations?

I want to become an ER (emergency room) nurse.

Hocking College is relatively new to the college athletics scene and its baseball team was started in 2022. Hocking College is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC).

Michael will be a key instrument in helping to build the Hawks program while he also pursues his other life-long passion: helping people.